Conclave
People spilled out from the various meeting rooms and gathered in the Grand Hall. For most this recess meant the end of conclave but for the Witnesses - a group of fifty peers - it was a welcome time to gossip and speculate about the upcoming quorum they were required to attend. Justice Thanos D'Ercy had postponed this year's Conclave an unprecedented three times. The postponement had caused consternation. Announcements of birth, death or engagements were delayed. Lengthy and expensive negotiations normally concluded and signed during Conclave had been put on hold until a date was announced. At last, Conclave would be concluded today. The last formality of the session was to come - the Quorum of Peers. It was for the Families the ultimate venue for hearing the most unthinkable offenses and passing judgements upon the responsible parties.
Curious eyes traveled to one of their guests - Nikolas Cassadine. The young man had been waylaid by the Honorable Martin DeVries and was patiently listening to the elderly man's halting speech pattern. While many in attendance had known Nikolas from when he was still a babe, few knew what to make of this latest Cassadine. He had the dark looks of his bloodlines but there was an open kindness in his eyes that they were certain was a reflection of his rarely-mentioned-in-their-circles mother.
"I re-mem-ber young Stefan. A remarkable m-m-man he was," said DeVries. "Remind me. Which of the b-boys was your f-f-father?"
Nikolas sighed and then said, "Stavros Mikkosovich."
"How … how …" the older man grasped for something good to say.
"How unfortunate you mean," said Nikolas.
"He was not of Stefan's quality."
"I am in complete agreement, sir."
A series of chimes began to sound in ascending then descending tones. The Chosen filed into the Quorum assembly room while those attendees who desired to remain drifted off to the other rooms to wait.
The Quorum Hall resembled the layout of an Elizabethan era stage known as a theater in the round. The Chosen took seats arranged around a circular stage. Thanos, as presiding judge, sat behind a small desk on the far left side of the stage. The lights in the hall dimmed leaving the stage bathed in light.
THUMP. THUMP.
Thanos' gavel landed twice. Those present quieted and gave him their full attention.
Thanos began with, "The case to be presented for judgment before you is an old one. Few in this room were present at its origin but all here have felt the consequences of the Quorum's decision that long ago day. It was perhaps serendipity that this matter was brought to my attention. Recent events have proven to me that my decision to reopen the case is a worthy one. Let us begin. As Petitioner, I summon Andre Garnier representing Jacques Garnier.
At hearing the surname Garnier, a quiet murmur traveled through the assembled peers. It was a name both noble and infamous.
Dressed in a somber black suit and bespectacled, Andre emerged from the left side of the stage. He sat upon one of two vacant chairs arranged behind Thanos' desk.
"As Head of House, I summon Nikolas Mikhail Stavrosovich Cassadine."
Like Andre, Nikolas emerged and took the seat next to Andre. Both men were tense and serious.
"As Accused, I summon Helena Valakos Cassadine."
The room briefly buzzed with hushed conversations. This promised to be an interesting session.
Helena, perfectly coiffed and resplendent in an elegant white and silver suit dress, entered from the right side of the stage cool and poised as ever. She sat behind a small desk. Her eyes narrowed at seeing Nikolas but she said nothing.
"Helena Cassadine, you have been made aware of the charges made against you. Will you obey the judgement made here and abide by all conditions and terms set forth?"
"Yes."
Thanos turned to Andre and Nikolas and asked, "Do you accept and abide by all conditions and terms set forth in this judgement?"
They both answered in the affirmative.
"Before the Quorum stands all involved parties upon whom we must lay judgement this night. The matter of inquiry is one previously petitioned before us by Jacques Garnier Cassadine," said Thanos. He paused allowing for the conversation and murmurings to subside. He did not continue until there was absolute silence once more. "In line with the proceedings, I disclose that the first petitioner one Jacques Garnier died from the ingestion of poisoned wine."
Helena glared at Thanos as if imagining him impaled on a pike.
The word 'poisoned' elicited the reaction that Thanos had predicted and desired. The room hummed with energy and tension. He and Salim had argued and tested a dozen different approaches before settling for what he would do tonight. He had taken Salim's advice to heart. He was determined to set things right for Jacques and for the recently departed Salim.
"Prior to his unexpected passing, he had intended to attend this very Conclave in person and once more present his petition in person. He was robbed of that opportunity by his … murderer." Thanos paused to let the gravity of his words be felt by the peers. It was plainly obvious even if left unsaid that the murder was directly or indirectly linked to Helena. "Before we proceed to the inquiry at hand, there is one other matter of business that must be attended to first. Jacques Garnier had one other motivation to come here - to restore that which was lost to its rightful owner."
Helena gasped loudly drawing many eyes. Andre rose to his feet and disappeared to the left. He returned bearing a small chest which he placed on Thanos' desk.
"As you are all aware some time ago, the house symbol of the Cassadines disappeared. The mystery of how it came to be lost has never been solved but its relevance remains strong. Any individual in rightful possession of a family symbol who can prove a direct blood relationship may with the blessing of this court ascend to become patriarch or matriarch of that family. So has this been our way assuring continuity, applying justice and protection for all parties involved."
Thanos lifted the cover of the chest and held out the necklace for all to see. "I personally witnessed Jacques Garnier regain possession of this symbol."
Nikolas was poised on the edge of his seat. He recognized the jewels as those that had been at the auction. He remembered meeting Jacques. Was Jacques a Cassadine, he wondered. He glanced sidelong at Andre then at Helena. His grandmother's fury was written in her form if not her face. Nikolas' nervousness was replaced by worry.
Helena sat stiff and erect. Her face was impassive but her real feelings were given away by the balled fists she kept tight to her side. She was stone only on the outside. Inside, she was a roiling, bubbling cauldron of emotion - rage, defiance and bitterness. She knew what was likely to come next.
Thanos continued, "Please stand those individuals with whom I had previously consulted on their provenance, identification and authenticity."
Four of the most well-respected and senior peers including Martin DeVries stood up.
"Do you affirm and authenticate that these jewels are indeed the lost Cassadine house symbols?" asked Thanos.
Four peers answered they did then sat down.
Thanos turned to Nikolas. "Prince Nikolas, as head of your house, do you accept the return of what is rightfully yours?"
Nikolas rose to his feet. "Yes, I do accept."
"Do you accept all the privileges, rights, terms and agreements conferred upon you as its bearer?"
Nikolas' answer was an uncertain, "Yes."
Helena's smile was bright as the sun but it lasted only an instant.
Thanos continued, "On behalf of all the Families of the Tradition, I reinstate House Cassadine to our number once more with full rights and privileges."
Nikolas said softly for Thanos' ears alone, "What is this suppose-"
Thanos whispered back, "Explain later. Don't let it out of your sight."
THUMP. THUMP.
Thanos banged his gavel twice. "Now, let us proceed to business. First, we shall hear posthumously from the petitioner Jacques Garnier."
The hall was filled with very audible gasps and soft exclamations. A servitor wheeled a large monitor to the center of the stage. The hall lights were dimmed another notch as the monitor was activated. An image formed of Jacques reclined in bed. His face was pale and breathing labored but his eyes burned with an inner fire.
"I, Jacques Garnier Cassadine, here in the last hours of my life, humbly petition the Quorum to review my case on behalf of my … my heirs. I … I am the acknowledged son of Alain Cassadine from a loving union with Rowena Garnier. I charge that Mikkos and Helena Cassadine conspired to murder my father and steal my birthright. I charge Helena Cassadine alone with … with falsely laying charges of theft and fraud which resulted in exile for my family. I charge Helena Cassadine alone with manipulating your judgment for her own benefit. All these charges I support with … evidence that none may refute the v-v-validity and the right of my case. Herewith, I wish to reinstate my full rights to the name Cassadine. I place all authority to present my claim and accept your … judgment upon my son Andre and upon Thanos D'Ercy for I know he shall do right by me and my cause. I ask my peers to see with new … eyes and … and true hearts this my last and most earnest petition."
The screen flashed then displayed a static gray image. For a minute, Helena's eyes were alight with something close to triumph before they turned cold and unreadable.
Nikolas listened intently throughout. He looked at Andre. "You're-"
"Listen now," said Andre. "Talk later."
"At the time of the Garnier case, a series of witnesses testified that the Garnier family had absconded with the jewels after Alain's death. There was no tangible proof of this," said Thanos. "Helena Cassadine as Matriarch of House Cassadine presented sworn affidavits from three servants within the Garnier residence who claimed the theft was true. New evidence has come to light that-"
"How dare you impugn my-" said Helena.
Thanos barked at her, "You are to remain silent unless asked a specific question. Failure to follow my instruction will result in an IMMEDIATE forfeit."
Helena fumed but said nothing.
"New evidence will now be submitted by … Pompey Valakos," said Thanos. He waited for a time until the room was once more silent. "Pompey gave new testimony in my presence and witnessed by his wife and heir a full week before he died." He nodded to someone offstage. The video monitor flashed to life displaying an image of Pompey with a grave expression on his normally jovial face. "The cause of his death has been supplanted by a false story. The truth is that Pompey was murdered, perhaps by poison."
Helena could feel the heat of several dozen eyes trained upon her. Her chin lifted and she fixed her gaze on the back wall of the room.
"This video testimony was previously reviewed by Pompey and declared accurate by his heir Achilles who is here present." Thanos nodded his head once more. The video began to play.
"I, Pompey Valakos, petition the Quorum to accept my testimony as truth in the matter of Rowena Garnier. I paid three servants employed in the Garnier household to falsely attest to having seen the Cassadine jewels on the premises and viewed by Rowena after the death of Alain Cassadine. I assisted these same servants to leave France complete with new identities. All this I did to curry … favor and … and financial rewards from my aunt Helena Cassadine. She was fully aware of each of my … actions which were undertaken on her behalf, instruction and command."
"In addition, my own testimony at that time was … false and designed to deceive the Quorum. This I declare to be the truth." Pompey took a deep breath. "My wife and heir had no knowledge of my shame. I ask leniency and care in judgment as it affects my family and heir Achilles. I desire to individually accept the Quorum's justice in full Do with me as you wish."
The screen froze on Pompey's image.
"The murder of Alain Cassadine is a family matter. We are concerned chiefly with the charges of conspiracy to prevent the rightful transfer of authority within house Cassadine and with the willful fraud perpetuated against this Quorum." Thanos stared at Helena. "These charges and accusations have not been taken lightly. I have carried out a thorough investigation. Something that was lacking in the original case." He looked out over the audience. "WIth Pompey's help, I found the three whose testimony formed the bedrock of the original case. I have their new testimony which supports all that Pompey asserts in his testimony. Each of them are here tonight to testify before you in person should it prove necessary."
For the first time, Helena's hauteur slipped a little. She flinched at the open revulsion in Nikolas' eyes. "Too weak. So much like Laura," said Helena under her breath.
Thanos glanced at Helena. "All valid and pertinent testimony has been presented. The testimony of the late Pompey Valakos reveals your participation and influence. As such, the charges against you stand. By right, the accused must have his or her say. The accused may respond to questions or comments from the Peers should there be any." He nodded at Helena.
Helena stood up. Silently, she scanned the assembly then said, "As calumny and scorn pour upon my head, I say this - your judgment today seals your fate! All of you and especially YOU!" Helena stared hard and long at Thanos. "Truth teller? Slander pours from your lips! YOU are the pretender here! I am Helena Valakos Cassadine, and I always will be. Pass your judgments but who among you would have done differently to save their house? There are some here who have certainly done worse!"
Martin DeVries stood up. "Lies left to fester can wound and kill. We do no harm to each other. You have f-f-forgotten much." He sat back down.
"Hypocrites! All of you!" exclaimed Helena.
"Power shared is influence doubled. Another lesson of Alain's which you have ignored to indulge your own selfishness," said Marguerite de Guerre, a gregarious matriarch from Spain. "You had such promise."
"And what, Marguerite, is the use of power if it is hoarded and hidden away," said Helena. "There was a time when we in the Tradition shaped empires. What do I see before me now? Frightened sheep who bow and scrape before their inferiors! There is no pride, no courage left."
"We have watched your house and our disappointment is fact not opinion," said Anton Van Dyke, a tall man spare in manner and face. "You have failed. It is no shame to admit to the truth."
"Failed? Far from it. My house has remained true to its ambitions," said Helena.
"Nakedly so and flaunting it at every turn," said an anonymous voice.
"Can no one achieve world domination with subtlety and cleverness? I forget. We speak of Cassadines," responded another voice. The dry comment elicited some laughter.
"None of you have true vision or ambition!" railed Helena. "None!"
THUMP. THUMP.
"We are straying from the matter at hand," said Thanos putting his gavel down. "Any further remarks, Helena?"
Helena took a deep breath and said, "I have come here to face these charges with a willing heart. I have subjected myself to this farce and taken your barbs undeserved as they are. I am freely admitting to guilt but also to regret. I regret that this petty matter, surely a mere gesture to a dead man, has wasted the valuable time of all here. The past is done and cannot be undone." Helena pointed at Nikolas. "Justice, in my view, was carried out long ago. There stands a true Cassadine by blood and by right. Rights that no one here can dispute or doubt. What relevance can a trifle complaint have now? I say too little, too late. With the restoration of OUR house symbol, I shall renew my efforts to see my house attain its previous heights and-"
"No!" exploded Nikolas. He stood and faced his grandmother. "Your house? Not … not any longer." He looked at Thanos. "Can I do this? Right now?"
"It is your right as heir and head of your house," said Thanos. "Proceed as you wish. We here shall serve as witnesses."
Nikolas moved closer to Helena and faced her. His face was grim and determined. "I, Nikolas Mikhail Stavrosovich Cassadine, strip you of all rights, privileges and funds awarded to you as Matriarch."
"No!" exclaimed Helena.
"You are … are forbidden to use the name Cassadine in any way," said Nikolas. "You are further stripped of all shares and investments in Cassadine holdings. You are exiled for life from all Cassadine properties."
"Please, Nikolas!" pleaded Helena. "Everything I've done has been for you and for the family! Do not cast me out!"
Her words only seemed to make Nikolas more enraged. "You are forbidden contact with me, my son, Alexis and her family. In my eyes, you are Cassadine no longer."
Like an angry cornered animal, Helena lashed out, "What have I done to deserve this? How can you be angry over something that happened before you were ever born?"
"Robin. This is about Robin and what you did to her," said Nikolas with frightening intensity. "I should kill you myself with my bare hands for that alone! Hearing about all the rest of it forced my hand. This … THIS is what you deserve!"
"It was an accident. I never meant to harm her. It was a … a threat that was never to be used," said Helena.
"Your reasons don't matter. You plotted against my dearest friend. Someone completely innocent. You barely knew her but that didn't stop you from using her for your own ends," said Nikolas. "I realize now that everything you do is for you."
"What lies has Thanos filled your head with?!" countered Helena. "I have given my life to our house and-"
"MY house not yours. Never again!" Nikolas turned and walked back to his seat.
Helena glared at Thanos. "This is all your doing. You will lead that boy to ruin! But that's what you wanted isn't it? You came to Port Charles to wiggle your way into his confidence. Yes, I see that very clearly."
"You see but still you are blind," said Thanos in a silky low voice. "It seems a moment for confessions. I shall add my own to the night's collection." He stood up and faced the Quorum. "Earlier this afternoon in Council I relinquished my right as heir to the D'Ercy holdings to Agathe D'Ercy's infant son Philippe. I am aware that caused much surprise. However, the reason for it will be made plain to all."
Thanos continued, "I have perpetrated my own lie to this Quorum and to every member of the Tradition whose path I have crossed."
Several gasps were heard. People fidgeted in their seats. Helena's eyes narrowed to near slits.
"This masquerade began at my birth and ends now," said Thanos getting to his feet. "My real name is Thanos Garnier. My father was Jacques Garnier. Arturo D'Ercy adopted me as an infant to protect me from my father's enemies. I have always known my birthright and known that I would pass on the D'Ercy inheritance as soon as I may. Tonight, I lay claim to my rightful house and name with Prince Nikolas' approval."
"You have it," said Nikolas. "You can be head of house and the title rightfully belongs to you. I don't want any of it."
"I accept the role of Patriarch and head of house however the title ill suits me. That is yours as my named heir," said Thanos.
Positive murmurs filled the room. Many nodded in approval towards Thanos and Nikolas.
"He LIES!" said Helena. "How can you all be so gullible?"
"I assure you I do not lie. I have proof enough to satisfy any inquiry," said Thanos. "For the rest of my life, I vow to restore respect, honor and stability to the Cassadine name. I shall continue the work that Stefan could not. For both our sakes, I shall anticipate the day and hour of your demise - alone with your dreams in tatters knowing that everything you've ever touched has turned to dust."
"You will rue this day. I promise you, Thanos," said Helena.
THUMP. THUMP.
"The time for judgment is nigh," said Thanos. "For a matter of this nature, the only fitting recourse is exile from the Tradition. All rise and cast your vote."
The assembled Quorum rose to their collective feet. Individually and in groups, they turned their backs on the stage. As more and more backs were turned, Helena paled and seemed to shrink into herself. In short order, every back was turned.
"Helena Valakos, the Quorum has made their judgment known. You will not be recognized in any way or form by any of us. Your own blood kin will decide on their own any acknowledgments they wish to make or not. You are here and forever exiled from our number."
THUMP!
"This Quorum is at an end."
Before Thanos' last word have been completely uttered, the assembly was fast leaving the chamber. On the stage, Helena had not moved. She seemed unable to.
"Andre, take Nikolas and the jewels out of here. I shall meet you at the … the designated place," said Thanos.
"How is Helena getting out?" asked Nikolas.
"She may leave at any time," said Thanos. "Now do as I say and go."
He approached Helena. "Goodbye and good luck, cousin. May you-"
Her hand sailed through the air and landed hard on his cheek. She aimed another slap but he grabbed her wrist and held it fast.
"If I were more like my father, I would break your neck here and now," said Thanos.
Helena's eyes spoke for her. They smoldered with hate and malice.
"Was it not you who said to let the past lie? By tomorrow this will be your past. Let it lie. Disappear with what funds you still possess and never cross my path," said Thanos. "If you do, remember, you will no longer have the protection of the Families. You WILL be fair game. Please recall that I am a superb hunter."
"You have left me with nothing," hissed Helena. "Not even my rightful name."
"That was by design per my father's dying wish," said Thanos. "A wish that I took great pleasure fulfilling. Farewell, Helena."
With that, Thanos bounded to the center aisle and left the assembly. Helena sat alone on the stage. Her rage was palpable. There were still eyes on her she knew. She would not give them the satisfaction of breaking down in their presence. As soon as her legs stopped shaking, she left the assembly room.
"First order of business is to contact Charlotte," murmured Helena. "They have not seen the last of Helena Cassadine."